HYGIENIC
REA's plastic storage systems are designed in accordance with HACCP guidelines to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria.
Can mobile shelving be used without HACCP risk?
You are looking for mobile shelving that you can move quickly and easily within your space. That makes sense. At the same time, you may be wondering what this means for food safety. Wheels can carry dirt and bacteria from one space to another. In damp environments, rust can even form, making it easier for dirt to accumulate.
So, is a mobile rack a responsible choice in a production environment? In this blog article, you can read about the points to consider and how REA guarantees that its products are suitable for use in a food-safe environment.
CORROSION-FREE
REA products are completely resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
ROCK SOLID
The unique design prevents wear and tear and makes the racks practically indestructible.
EXCEPTIONAL LOAD-BEARING CAPACITY
REA racks can easily handle loads of 200 kg per linear metre.
MODULAR
REA racks can be assembled and expanded in a modular system without the need for any special tools.
EXTREME TEMPERATURES
The products can be used in spaces at temperatures ranging from -40 to +80 degrees, without any loss of quality.
100% RECYCLABLE
During production, residual waste is kept to a minimum and the plastic racks are 100% recyclable.
What exactly does HACCP mean?
HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points. This method allows you to identify food safety risks in your process and determine how to control them. Think of preventing contamination by mould and bacteria.
Under HACCP regulations, materials must not provide any places where dirt can accumulate. Storage systems must therefore be smooth, fit together well and be easy to clean. REA's plastic racks meet these requirements. The smooth surface and seamless connection mean that dirt and mould have little chance of accumulating, while you can clean the system quickly and thoroughly.
What does HACCP say about facilities and storage equipment?
HACCP does not prescribe which type of shelving or storage system you must use. However, the guidelines do set clear requirements for the layout of your rooms and the materials you use.
Facilities and storage equipment must be designed and positioned in such a way as to prevent food safety risks. This means, among other things:
- Surfaces must be smooth and easy to clean.
- Materials must not retain dirt, moisture or bacteria.
- Structures must be constructed in such a way that there are no cracks, seams or damage where contamination can accumulate.
- You must be able to inspect, clean and maintain them easily.
Why mobility can actually be a hygiene advantage
Mobile racks sometimes raise doubts in an HACCP environment. However, mobility can actually work to your advantage. When you can easily move a rack, you get a better view of your space and more control over cleaning and inspection.
Better accessibility for cleaning and inspection
A rack that is not mobile often remains in the same place for a long time. The floor or wall behind it then receives less attention.
With a mobile rack, you can easily move the system out of the way. You can inspect the floor, wall and corners and clean them immediately. This reduces the risk of dirt accumulation and makes your storage space even cleaner.
Fewer “blind spots” in storage areas
Every storage area has places that you rarely visit. These are precisely the places where dirt can accumulate. By working with mobile shelving, you can organise your space flexibly.
You avoid fixed, hard-to-reach areas and maintain an overview. In this way, mobility not only supports your logistics, but also the food safety of your space.
The various wheels in our range
Not every production environment has the same requirements. That is why REA supplies mobile racks with different types of wheels. You choose the version that suits your load, working environment and cleaning protocol. This allows you to maintain control over both mobility and food safety.
Stainless steel wheels
The stainless steel version is equipped with a 304-grade fork and is available with braked or unbraked nylon swivel castors.
This stainless steel version is also available with a non-marking and low-noise rubber tread.
Plastic wheels
This version has a strong plastic fork and is also available with braked or unbraked swivel castors. The wheels are fitted with a non-marking and low-noise rubber tread as standard.
The load capacity is 90 kg per wheel. These wheels are also fitted with deep-freeze grease and can be used in cold environments, such as cold stores.
REA shelving available in three colours
Conclusion: mobile racks can be used in HACCP-compliant environments.
A mobile rack only poses a risk if its design and materials do not meet your hygiene requirements. HACCP requires smooth, easy-to-clean systems without any areas where dirt can accumulate.
REA's mobile racks meet these requirements. The plastic systems are easy to clean and the wheels, available in stainless steel or plastic, are suitable for damp and refrigerated environments.
This means that mobility does not have to be a risk, but actually supports your cleaning and control efforts. Would you like to know which model is right for your situation? Our specialists will be happy to advise you.